Dianthus alpinus 'Joan's Blood' (p)

RHS Plant Profile
alpine pink 'Joan's Blood'
alpine pink 'Joan's Blood' RHS

Synonyms

Dianthus 'Joan's Blood'

Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

'Joan's Blood' is a hardy perennial forming a mat of dark grey-green foliage, with solitary deep crimson flowers 4cm wide, on stems 5-10cm tall

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Skin allergenwear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
Name Status
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Pinks are hardy, evergreen perennials which make compact mounds or mats of usually greyish leaves, with up to six, usually fragrant, single or double, medium-sized flowers per stem in early and mid-summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and maintain a compact habit

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt